The Photography of Weegee via Zoom

The photographer Weegee, born Arthur Fellig, captured some of the grittiest scenes of New York City in the middle of the 20th century. Much of Weegee’s work comes from his years trailing the city’s emergency service teams and documenting their crime scenes, fires, and day-to-day life. Weegee’s instinct to turn the camera away from the main attraction and onto the gathering crowds resulted in some of the most visceral images of the day. Weegee occupies a unique space in art history. He had success as a freelance news photographer, yet was also taken seriously as an artist, with his work being shown in the most prestigious museums of the time. This lecture, given by Mallory Mortillaro, art historian and educator, explores the mythology behind the photographer and how a Ukrainian-born man went on to become one of New York City’s most important artists. Registration begins November 20 via the library’s Web site.

Note: The Zoom link will be sent one day prior to the program.